Becoming by Michelle Obama Published by Crown on November 13, 2018
Pages: 426
Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction
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An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African-American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms.
Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.
I have always had great fondness for Michelle Obama due to her relatability, kindness, and intellect. After reading Becoming and the frank exploration of her life, I must say that I have an everlasting respect for this remarkable yet extraordinarily ordinary woman. The memoir is informative and inspirational, often challenging the reader to acknowledge obvious as well as covert inequities in our society—and to do something about them.
“Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there is more growing to be done.”
While undoubtedly there are lessons to be learned by everyone, this book speaks most directly to the hearts and minds of females of all ages—especially to minorities, those of meager means, mothers, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized.
Mrs. Obama has been a trailblazer from an early age, always tackling challenges and insecurities on her own terms—with grace and unwavering perseverance. I respected her refusal to be contained by limitations thrust upon her by others, and I was motivated to examine my own self-doubts.
The book delves into Michelle Obama’s journey from her humble beginnings in Chicago’s declining urban area, to her Ivy League education and subsequent successful career, to becoming the wife of a politician, and the joys as well as challenges of motherhood. Less than half of the book is dedicated to her life in The White House serving as First Lady of the United States, but I found every aspect of her life to be fascinating.
“I was humbled and excited to be First Lady, but not for one second did I think I’d be sliding into some glamorous, easy role. Nobody who has the words ‘first’ and ‘black’ attached to them ever would.”
Her insistence on mentoring women and children, and her determination to carve out a meaningful and lasting footprint as First Lady are exemplary.
Michelle Obama eloquently tells her story with humor, honesty, and in poignant detail. Becoming is a must-read.
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